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Everything Spurs fans need to know about free agency

CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 30: Rui Hachimura #28 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots over Dean Wade #32 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the third quarter at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on October 30, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Lakers 134-110. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The start of free agency is just hours away. While teams won’t be able to actually sign contracts until July 6th, they can start negotiating on June 30th, and there are a lot of interesting names both in the free agency pool and on the trade block. We’ve already had the massive Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami move, and there could be more coming.

The Spurs, coming off a Finals appearance in their return to the playoffs, might not go for a big splash, but they do have some roster spots to fill and some roles where they could use an upgrade or more experience. So let’s see what San Antonio needs, how it can get it, and what would make for a successful offseason.

Do the Spurs have cap space? How can they sign free agents?

The Spurs could technically carve up some minimal cap space, but in reality, they’ll act as an over-the-cap team. So what does that mean? Well, they’ll have the non-taxpayer’s mid-level exception worth around $15 million at their disposal, as well as the bi-annual exception worth around $5.5 million since they didn’t use it last year. It should be enough to add some talent.

They will also be able to re-sign their own free agents if they have Bird rights to them without much concern, since they are well below the second apron. Whether they’ll have an interest in bringing most of them back is a different story, but there have been reports that they might try to keep Harrison Barnes. Currently, they have nine players under standard contracts, but that number will move to 11 once they sign their two first-round draft picks.

What about trades? Can the Spurs make something big happen?

The Spurs have young players, draft picks, and contracts large and small to make a big trade, but not without losing key contributors in the process. They had expendable expiring contracts last season, like Kelly Olynyk’s and Harrison Barnes’, to match salaries easily, but now to make a big move for an expensive player, they would have to include guys like Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell, and/or Luke Kornet, all of whom were in the rotation last year.

Does that mean there’s no chance a trade happens? Not really. Johnson and Kornet struggled in the playoffs, and despite their contributions in the regular season, the front office might consider them expendable. De’Aaron Fox also wasn’t at his best in the postseason, but Brian Wright has said the team remains committed to him. He’s also said he expects most of this group to be back, which likely means that while possible, a big move is unlikely.

What are the Spurs’ needs?

The Spurs have a strong foundation, but there’s one type of player that they are missing: a big forward who can shoot and also spend time as a small-ball center. Now, that type of player is extremely hard to find, and every team that doesn’t have one wants one, so there are not many available. Especially not proven playoff performers who could be had with the mid-level exception.

That said, San Antonio could still use someone who can fill one of the two roles. Among the available big forwards who can shoot, there are names like Tobias Harris, Sandro Mamukelashvili, John Collins, Saddiq Bey, and Rui Hachimura, among others, who will likely sign for mid-level exception money. The Spurs could also retain Barnes to fill that role or rely on the development of Carter Bryant.

Are there any Spurs-related rumors out there?

Unsurprisingly, the Spurs have been linked to a bunch of forwards, but there’s nothing concrete. They are reportedly “expected” to be interested in John Collins and Dean Wade, according to The Stein Line Mark Stein($) and HoopsHype Michael Scotto, respectively. Now, expected to be doesn’t mean they are, but they could be. Stein did say the Spurs are interested in Rui Hachimura, so that seems more of a report than speculation.

The Spurs were also linked to Kawhi Leonard by ESPN’s Bobby Marks and are reportedly one of the two franchises with which Leonard would sign an extension, with the other being the Raptors, according to Stein($). But while Toronto is reportedly interested in a reunion, there has been no news about whether San Antonio is. The answer, considering how badly things ended between franchise and player, is likely “no” even before considering the Clippers’ potentially high asking price.

What’s a realistic scenario for the Spurs in free agency?

Anything can happen in the NBA. We’ve seen signings and trades no one was expecting. But considering how good the Spurs were last season, the tools they have at their disposal to add talent and the few holes on the roster, it wouldn’t be surprising if this offseason is a quiet one for San Antonio.

As mentioned, getting a forward with size who can shoot is the biggest need for the Spurs. They will likely try to find someone using part of the entirety of the mid-level exception. Before the draft, getting a quality third big man seemed like a need, but after selecting two centers, including a seemingly NBA-ready big man in Tarris Reed Jr., it now seems like more of a luxury. Still, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to secure the services of either a shooting big man or a rim protector. If someone who can play is available, either with part of the mid-level exception or the bi-annual exception, it would be smart to secure their services.

It’s hard to name the targets when there haven’t been many reports about who the Spurs want, but a successful offseason would be to get, say, Rui Hachimura and Larry Nance Jr., or John Collins and Simone Fontecchio, for example. While those specific players might not be available, as long as the Spurs add some shooting and size, the offseason would be a success. If they retain Barnes, adding a big man or a guard for cheap to round out their roster would likely be the play.

When does free agency start again? And how can I remain informed?

Teams can start negotiating with free agents on Tuesday, June 30th, at 5 p.m. CT. Make sure to visit Pounding the Rock for all your Spurs-related news and discussion.

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Nets decline Ziaire Williams’ $6.25 million team option despite career year

Brooklyn Nets forward Ziaire Williams shoots the ball over Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
Brooklyn Nets forward Ziaire Williams shoots the ball over Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker.

The Nets declined their $6.25 million team option for forward Ziaire Williams on Sunday, sources told The Post.

While Brooklyn could still end up re-signing Williams, he’ll be an unrestricted free agent after spending the past two seasons with the Nets and is coming off a career year.

Ziaire Williams goes up for a shot during the Nets’ April 3 game. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post

Since his cap hold is actually higher than what his salary was, the Nets wouldn’t save any space by declining his team option unless they actually go ahead and renounce his rights.

Williams averaged a career-high 10.2 points and 1.4 steals in 22.9 minutes last season, spread over 56 games (13 starts).

He missed the last five games with a left foot injury.

The Nets project to have $40 million in cap space, according to Yossi Gozlan of Third Apron, before their trade for Julius Randle becomes official.

It could be less if they decline center Day’Ron Sharpe’s team option and re-sign him to a new deal.

Brooklyn and Sharpe agreed to move the deadline for his team option back to Monday, sources told The Post.

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Rockets believed to be most likely to sign Marcus Smart in free agency

HOUSTON, TX - MAY 1: Marcus Smart #36 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during the game against the Houston Rockets during Round One Game Six of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 1, 2026 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

There has been a lot of smoke over the past couple of days regarding Marcus Smart leaving for the Rockets.

Smart has a player option for the 2026-27 NBA season. Given how well he played on a relatively modest salary, it’s been reported that he could opt out for a bigger payday this summer, with the Rockets as a potential destination.

Now, late Sunday evening, Dan Woike of The Athletic is reporting that Smart is likely to opt out and that Houston is considered the favorite to land the guard.

As option day approaches, the belief around the league, according to multiple sources, is that Lakers guard Marcus Smart will opt out and seek a longer-term deal in unrestricted free agency. Smart, 32, was a critical piece for the Lakers last season, starting 54 of 62 games and giving the team its most consistent defensive presence on the perimeter. Smart’s best basketball came in the NBA postseason, when the short-handed Lakers upset Houston in the first round of the playoffs.

Strangely enough, according to team and league sources, the belief is that the Rockets will be the team most likely to land Smart once free agency opens on June 30 thanks to a multi-year deal. Smart played for Rockets coach Ime Udoka in Boston.

This is bad news for the Lakers. They reportedly wanted Smart back, but now it looks like that’s not in the cards for them.

Losing your best defensive guard in free agency doesn’t get you closer to being a title contender. Sure, Smart has his offensive limitations, but he is also a great defender and a hardworking player.

Ideally, Smart would be a Laker again, playing on a $5.4 million contract. And the Lakers could’ve still tried to find a starting guard so Smart could be slotted in a reserve role.

If this report becomes reality, they’ll have no choice but to replace Smart, likely with a far more expensive player, and good luck with that person being as good as Smart was last year.

Smart selecting the Rockets would add some additional salt to the Lakers’ wounds.

One game seperated the Lakers and Rockets in the regular season. If Smart switches sides, an argument can be made that Houston has gotten slightly better and Los Angeles is heading in the other direction.

There’s plenty of time left to shape this roster, but based on the rumors, there’s not much good news coming out about the purple and gold. This is likely why fans have limited confidence in this front office heading into this summer.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.

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Aaron Judge’s unknown injury return can’t come soon enough for Yankees — and Ben Rice

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge in the dugout, Image 2 shows New York Yankees' Ben Rice strikes out swinging as Boston Red Sox catcher Carlos Narváez watches
The entire Yankees lineup has been woeful without Aaron Judge, but Ben Rice in particular has struggled.

BOSTON — There’s still no date set for Aaron Judge to get his fractured right rib imaged again, according to Aaron Boone, which means the Yankees can’t begin to point to a day when their best player might be back in the lineup.

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It can’t come soon enough.

For a third straight game, the Yankees were held without a hit until at least the fifth inning.

And in Sunday’s 5-4, 10-inning loss that finished off a nightmarish weekend at Fenway Park, the Yankees didn’t get a hit against ex-Yankee Sonny Gray until the eighth.

Aaron Boone called it “a terrible weekend” made worse by Sunday’s performance.

“Overall, we’re not swinging the bats great this weekend,’’ Boone said. “We had some pitches to hit [and] just missed a couple of them.”

Aaron Judge is pictured during the Yankees’ June 16 game. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Clearly, they’re not very intimidating without Judge.

“Certainly, having Aaron Judge in the lineup changes our team in a profound way,’’ Boone said before the game.

They had scored just five runs over the first three games of the series and didn’t break through Sunday until Boston’s defense collapsed in the top of the ninth.

And in clutch situations, they’ve been especially bad, as they’re 7-for-72 with runners in scoring position since June 18.

“Give them credit, they threw the ball well,’’ hitting coach James Rowson said of Boston’s pitchers. “It was a tough couple of games, but in the grand scheme of things, I feel good about our guys and have confidence in them. You’re gonna have tough series and this, obviously, was one.”

Ben Rice has been especially impacted.

The first baseman had an OPS of 1.056 in 54 games before Judge went out with the rib fracture and entered Sunday with a .686 OPS in 23 games since then.

He went hitless Sunday.

Ben Rice strikes out during the Yankees’ June 27 game against the Red Sox. AP Photo

Boone said Rice was fine at the plate without Judge before the last week, when the manager believes Rice has struggled.

He’s in a 2-for-28 slump, as the combination of not having Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Trent Grisham available has taken a toll.

“We’re going through it a little bit on the injury front, which gives you opportunities to find out about depth [and] who’s gonna be part of having a meaningful role moving forward.”

The Yankees will count on Rice the rest of the way, with or without Judge.

“I don’t see guys pressing, including Ben,’’ Rowson said. “When you miss that caliber of hitter Judge is, it’s an adjustment period for everyone. Guys have done a good job stepping up without Judge, and you’re gonna have stretches like this.”

Including Rice.

“Ben is already a threat in this league, with or without Judge,’’ Rowson said. “Pitchers gameplan against Ben Rice. Maybe it’s tougher for him now, but he’s capable and ready for it. We’ve got to bounce back.”

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But this was seen as a bit of a test for Rice, who has spent much of the first half of the season in the American League MVP race, typically hitting directly in front of or behind Judge.

The last few weeks have shown again how vital Judge is to their offense.

Boone said Judge was doing some upper-body work but was unclear what those workouts entailed.

Sunday marked four weeks since Judge last played in a game.

The Yankees are 12-12 in that stretch and after leading the league in homers and ranking second in OPS and fourth in runs with Judge, the Yankees are tied for sixth in homers but 19th in runs scored and 22nd in OPS since June 1.

Boone called his team an “incomplete [and] unfinished product” Sunday.

That’s especially true without Judge.

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'We'll Continue To Stay Involved': Dubas Prepared To Adjust Accordingly To Changing Market

It's becoming abundantly clear that the landscape of player acquisition in the National Hockey League is evolving. 

And, if one was to take anything from what Pittsburgh Penguins' president of hockey operations and general manager Kyle Dubas said during the 2026 NHL Draft, it's that his team is ready to adapt. 

On Friday, Dubas met with the media following the first round of the draft - when he used his 22nd overall pick to select right wing Liam Ruck - and discussed the changing landscape of player acquisition in a rising-cap environment. He had said during his season-ending press conference that he wished to target "20-something" difference-makers, many of whom - such as Brady Tkachuk and Bowen Byram - have already been dealt this summer.

Dubas wants to be in on the "big guns" - the elite-level players who can help along the Penguins' rebuild and their future quite nicely. Names like Elias Pettersson, Alexander Nikishin, and Jason Robertson - who the Penguins are reported to have had discussions with - are ones who can help in the short- and long-term, but he also acknowledged that the cost to acquire such talent isn't quite what it used to be.

"I think, in some of them, we just really haven't had the assets to get there," Dubas said. "You know, if you go through the younger guys that have been traded, it was a fourth overall pick. And, obviously, the Florida-Ottawa trade was the ninth overall pick. We were at 22. And then, some of the deals [Friday], again, some of the picks were a little bit higher than ours. I think what we found in this last stretch is that teams also want the exact guys that we're looking for in exchange in those deals. It's players in that group that we lack."

Dubas added: "It's a shifting landscape, as everybody's seen. But, it might not be the one gigantic type of transaction. We'll try to stay active on those. But, it might be more of a brick-by-boring-brick style."

Penguins Select Right Wing Liam Ruck With 22nd Overall PickPenguins Select Right Wing Liam Ruck With 22nd Overall PickThe Penguins selected one brother in a set of draft-eligible twins this year.

Of course, that doesn't mean the door is closed on a bigger deal. Dubas reiterated that's very much not the case, as the Penguins will continue to engage in discussions on the kinds of players who can become integral parts of a future Stanley Cup contender. And that's especially relevant, given the lack of free agent talent available this summer. 

Beyond defenseman Rasmus Andersson, it's not the best class. Alex Ovechkin will re-sign with the Washington Capitals if he decides to keep going, and John Carlson's rights were traded by the Anaheim Ducks to the Carolina Hurricanes. Dubas - quite literally - shot down any idea that they're going to be handing out big money in the free agent market.

"We can be as aggressive as we want on Jul. 1, but if you look at what's available, it could be an expensive mistake," Dubas said. "And I try to learn from the past. We'll try to steer clear of that."

So, can the Penguins make the kind of big move they desire to?

Part of the equation will be continuing to acquire players in the Egor Chinakhov and Hendrix Lapierre molds - players in need of a change of scenery but who have relatively significant untapped upside at the NHL level. But, if they do choose to swing bigger, waiting things out might actually work to their advantage this summer and beyond.

With the shifting landscape, not only are teams still in the early stages of figuring out exactly what star players - as well as role players - are worth in the rising cap world, players also seemingly have more agency in contract negotiations than ever before.

'His First Choice is To Stay': Insider Details Jason Robertson's Desire to Remain a Star Amid Contract Chaos'His First Choice is To Stay': Insider Details Jason Robertson's Desire to Remain a Star Amid Contract ChaosElliotte Friedman reveals how a blockbuster Kraken trade collapsed, exposing a massive valuation gap as the Stars superstar navigates high-stakes contract demands and looming offer sheet threats.

If a star player like Robertson wants big money - and he does, reportedly, want $14 million - and to go to a contender in the event that he is traded, that costs Dallas leverage in negotiations when teams won't trade for him if he's not interested in extending long-term. Allegedly, it's already happened with the Seattle Kraken and St. Louis Blues. So, they either need to open up to the possibilities of dealing him for less to a team he may not extend to or of waiting it out to the point that the asking price drops.

Teams were asking for top-10 picks prior to the draft. Without the assurance of guaranteed top-10 picks, first-rounders aren't necessarily quite as valuable later in the summer as they are before the draft. So, maybe, a player like him can be had for less if a team like the Penguins is willing to be patient with the process. 

"I think we continue to work away at it," Dubas said. "As it's happened, you go in, and what I wanted to have was - maybe not so much late-20s - but in the range of some of the guys that have been moved. And, in past years, they haven't gone for that level of asset. There was multiple top-10 picks moved, which isn't overly common. So, for us, we would aspire to be involved in every one of those conversations, it's just that we didn't have a top-10 pick because of the season that the team had."

NHL Rumors: 3 Penguins Featured On New Trade BoardNHL Rumors: 3 Penguins Featured On New Trade BoardCould these Penguins end up being traded this off-season?

But, in order for players of that caliber to even want to come to Pittsburgh, the organization has to show a tangible effort and attitude toward winning. Balancing the priority to compete with the developmental window is a tough needle for the Penguins to thread, but going big-game hunting could marry those windows nicely.

If Dubas truly wants to bring in an elite talent, it may still be possible. But it will come with the understanding that gone are the days when players like this can be had for steals of deals. It's going to cost a lot, and that cost will continue to rise in the coming years - but some patience could be a virtue in certain situations such as Robertson's, where the desperation to trade into the top-10 isn't as much a factor later in the summer.

"I don't know that we'll pivot," Dubas said. "We'll continue to stay involved in all those discussions and see where it lands. But, it's still an area where we lack. We've got, obviously, the incredible veteran group that everyone here has known for two decades or more, and then we've got the forming of a good group of younger players. It's trying to find that 'in the middle'  kind of bridge.

"And we'd love to have it done already, but it might be something that's later in the summer, or in the year, or next summer. We'll stay after it for sure."

Jason Robertson And The Pittsburgh Penguins Might Make More Sense Than You ThinkJason Robertson And The Pittsburgh Penguins Might Make More Sense Than You ThinkThe Dallas Stars and Jason Robertson appear to be on the verge of a potential breakup - and the Pittsburgh Penguins may actually make a great deal of sense as trade partners.

Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!  

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Nets Daily Off-Season Report – No. 10

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 23: A detailed view of the watch worn by Mikel Brown Jr. speaks to the media after he is drafted sixth overall by the Brooklyn Nets during Round One of the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images) | Getty Images

So how we feeling? Better, it seems, than we did 1) at the end of the season; 2) after the Lottery; 3) when the Canyon of Heroes was filled with orange and blue.

It wasn’t just the trade for Julius Randle, the selection of Micbael Brown Jr. (and Joshua Jefferson) in the first round or the possibilities ahead. At its simplest, it’s the feeling that it’s been down so long, it looks like up to me. The fan base, fickle as it is, seems energized by recent events. Screw all those pundits and Knick fans who think the franchise should fold, return to the swamps of Jersey or relocate in Seattle! We are home in Brooklyn, New York, and plan to say … as MBJ might say. Be Brooklyn!

Yeah, yeah, they have a very long way to go. Things can go wrong, etc. Bad luck from KD’s foot on the line to injuries at critical moments to bad lottery luck are all part of the Nets fan experience, but for the moment, at least, it’s best to be optimistic. And luck can change.

Brown of course is the biggest part of the good feelings around Barclays Center and the HSS Training Center and the Brooklyn Basketball Training Center where he will be introduced to the media along with Jefferson and second round pick Tyler Bilodeau Monday afternoon.

The kid is refreshing in his comments and in his game. He, too, has a long way to go. He’s still on the smaller side and he understands that. He still needs to take care of the ball better. He needs to show his back injury is behind him.

Yes, he loves being in Brooklyn, but playing in New York is a challenge for even the strongest of personalities. But Sean Marks & co. think that he can become something special and indeed, at the moment, Christopher Mikel Brown Jr. son of Christopher Mikel Brown Sr. and Marisella Brown-Caraballo, at age 20 is the face of the franchise until otherwise notified.

So, let’s delve a little more into his history, starting with a three-part YouTube video that seems to have escaped a lot of attention in the build-up to the Draft. It deals with his rise from being undersized (5’10”) and under appreciated to his decisions to join Adidas and Louisville two years back. In includes interviews with him, his mother and father who also served as a coach growing up. Appropriately, it’s entitled, “The Point of It All.”

Brown’s father is the co-star, it should be noted and Coach Chris Brown takes no prisoners, is quick to defend his son as he did when Louisville fans came after ‘Kel. Then when his son got taken in the Draft, he was prepared with receipts…

And what did father say to son when his name got called? “what are they going to say now?!”

Brown Jr. also got the Steve Serby treatment this week. Serby, a New York Post writer famous for his lengthy interviews with sports figures, spoke with Brown this week. The headline is simple: Asked, “What do you think you’re capable of?” he responded “Being one of the all-time greats.”

Here’s some other sample Q. and A.

Q: Your general manager (Sean Marks) said that you have a chip on your shoulder, tell me why.

A: Just because at the end of the day there’s people selected over me. So that just drives me every single day. I’m self-driven to be the best version of myself. So that means I have a chip on my shoulder wherever I go.

Q: You’re going to have a natural rivalry with Darius Acuff. What are your thoughts on that?

A: Basketball nowadays, that rivalry brings along a lot of fans, and more people want to watch and it’s competitive. We know we’re going to see each other for the rest of our lives, so buckle up.

Q: Describe your on-court mentality.

A: Passionate, competitive, me being a dawg and also just me being able to create for others, like being a connector as well.

Q: I’m getting the feeling that you see yourself as a killer or an assassin on the court? Am I right?

A: Yes.

Q: Why don’t you feel pressure?

A: Because I hold myself to a certain expectation that I expect to hit every single time just because I know how much work I’ve put in.

Q: If you could build the perfect point guard, what would you take from Mikel Brown Jr.?

A: We would take his ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and others.

Q: Why would I enjoy playing with you?

A: Just because I’m always for my teammates, I’m always about making other guys better around me, putting them in the right positions to whether that’s score, defensively, just constantly communicating with them. And I also think I’m a great teammate as well, very personable, I want to get to know you because that transmits to on the court as well so now you got the true trust in you that you know what you’re doing.

Heady stuff, obviously, and if he doesn’t perform, those words will be thrown at him by media, fans, maybe even coaches. But that’s the way it goes in New York City and the NBA.

About that rivalry with Acuff, taken at No. 7, it goes back to high school. Their most recent encounter came in December when Louisville faced off against Arkansas…

As our Collin Helwig noted this week, there will be two more confrontations next month, the first in Sacramento on July 4 at 5:00 p.m. ET, the second in Las Vegas on July 14 at 6:00 p.m. ET. Both will be televised. All three of Brooklyn’s games in Sacramento will be televised on the YES Network/Gotham Sports Net, while the Vegas games will be split between ESPN, ESPN U, and Amazon Prime. More details on Vegas TV schedule soon.

Busy week ahead

—Monday, June 29: Sean Marks will introduce the three draft picks to the media at the Brooklyn Basketball Training Center. We might also see the Summer League roster released and the identity of the head coach revealed. More news: Day’Ron Sharpe whose team option must be exercised. MPJ’s 28th birthday.

—Tuesday, June 30: the Summer League team will hold its first practice at HSS Training Center in Brooklyn. Teams can contact free agents.

—Wednesday, July 1: another Summer League practice in Brooklyn after which the team will depart for Sacramento and the California Classic. Two-way contracts can be signed.

—Thursday, July 2: Summer League team in Sacramento

—Friday, July 3: The Summer League team holds practice in Sacramento.

—Saturday, July 4: Happy 250th birthday USA! Nets Summer League team faces the Kings at 5:00 p.m. ET. Mikel Brown Jr. vs. Darius Acuff. See below for details.

—Sunday, July 5: Nets Summer League team faces the Bucks at 3:00 p.m. ET. Mikel Bridges vs. Nate Ament.

—Monday, July 6: Teams can sign free agents and trades become official, including the exchange of Nic Claxton for Julius Randle, which likely will have been expanded.

Every picture tells a story, story

A lot of Nets fans have been posting variants of this picture in recent days:

First of all, how tall is that guy on the right?? Has he grown beyond the 6’9.5″ he was measured at in sneakers a year ago? Lots of suggestions that he has.

Beyond that, however, there’s something quite important about the image of the 20-year-olds. They are the two highest Nets draft picks in 16 years: Michael Brown Jr. at No. 6 last week and Egor Demin at No. 8 last year. And neither of those picks would have been available to Brooklyn if they hadn’t exchanged picks with the Rockets on June 25, 2024, the companion to the Mikal Bridges trade with the Knicks that same night. The Nets had lost those picks in the James Harden trade and if they were going to rebuild properly, they wanted control of their picks in two generational drafts.

So far, it’s worked out. It might’ve worked better if the Nets had better luck in the two lotteries but the Nets are happy with both Demin and Brown.

To get those two picks back, the Nets gave up two Phoenix Suns pick acquired in the 2023 Kevin Durant trade: last year’s first which turned into Khaman Maluach, next year’s Suns first plus — take your time to read this: the swap rights to the two most favorable of the Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets 1st round picks in 2029. Brooklyn will retain the least favorable of the first round draft picks that draft. (No, despite the shorthand favored by some, the Nets didn’t trade four firsts for two and none of the assets Sean Marks & co. gave up that night were Brooklyn’s own picks. They were all picks from the trades of James Harden, Kyrie Irving and KD.)

Because they got all those Knicks picks for Mikal Bridges that same night, the Nets hedged their bets and if things don’t work out with the 2025 and 2026 firsts they still have those unprotected Knicks firsts in 2027, 2029 and 2031 plus a first round swap with the Knicks (and one with the Suns as well) in 2028. They also retain their own firsts picks in each of drafts between 2027 and 2033 and have the Sixers’ first in 2028, 1-8 protected. Yes, they also have the Nuggets first in 2032 from the Michael Porter Jr. for Cam Johnson trade

Moreover, the 2027 Draft is viewed as historically bad and 2028 not a particularly good one. Too early to tell about 2029. We wrote about the June 25, 2024 trades a few months back laying it all out.

Draft Sleeper of the Week

How’d we do? Okay. We profiled both Brown and Jefferson in previous Off-Season Reports. We missed on Tyler Bilodeau. He was a real sleeper. Most mocks didn’t have him at all, although ESPN’s last mock had him at No. 60, long after where the Nets took him at No. 43.

Two-Way Contracts, etc.

Last season, the Nets signed two two-way deals early, inking Tyson Etienne and E.J. Liddell in the summer, then waiting till Christmas to get Chaney Johnson under contract. Starting Wednesday, teams can sign this season’s two ways and two spots are already spoken for: Johnson will be back. The Nets tendered him a two-way qualifying offer this week and Tyler Bilodeau, the Nets second round pick, is also reportedly destined for Long Island. The third pick? Doubt we’ll have to wait as long as we did last season to learn his identity.

Two-ways make half the basic vets minimum or about $650,000. Players can be active for a maximum of 50 NBA regular-season games before they must be converted to a standard deal or waived. The deals do not count against the cap.

Also as we’ve noted, the Nets are signing three players to Exhibit 10s. Brian Lewis reported that the Nets had signed Dion Brown a 6’3” guard who most recently played for St. Louis University and Jon Chepkevich of Draft Express reported Ben Humrichous, a 6’9” combo forward who came off the bench for Illinois last year. Finally, Dylan Johnson of The Villanovan, the student newspaper, reported 6’10” Wildcat center Duke Brennan will be joining the Nets starting with Summer League next month. Signing an Exhibit 10 means both will likely spent the majority of the 2026-27 season in Long Island following training camp in Brooklyn. If they stay 60 days in the G League, they can pick up a signing bonus worth as much as $77,000.

Final Note

We’ve seen a number of pundits list the Nets as among those teams interested in free agents and trade targets, from Keon Ellis to Rui Hachimura to the big one, Jaylen Brown. Teams can start talking to free agents startinon Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. ET. Expect news before then.

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Yankees, Aaron Boone embracing ‘grind’ of not letting ‘terrible weekend’ snowball

Yankees manager Aaron Boone stated the obvious after his side let a two-run lead slip away in a 5-4 loss in 10 innings on Sunday as the Boston Red Sox completed a four-game sweep at Fenway Park.

“Obviously, a terrible weekend for us,” Boone said after losing an eighth game in the last 11.

“It’s one of those crap moments of the season, crap times of the season, where you have a really rough weekend against a division rival,” the skipper said later. “But you gotta get over it quickly, and understand we got a homestand starting tomorrow. Pick ourselves up.”

How does the manager not let the rough weekend keep snowballing? 

“That’s what we do, baby,” Boone answered with a wry smile. 

“You gotta love this stuff. You gotta eat this stuff up. It’s a sickness. That’s what the grind is,” he continued. “We got a really good freakin team. We played crappy on this trip, kinda. Feels bad. Kinda pisseed off, right? But it’s what we do. 

“It’s what you signed up for. We’ll dig ourselves out of it and get it going here in short order.” 

The game slipped away in the 10th when Fernando Cruz, who had been masterful with his splitter, was only able to retire one of the four batters he faced in the three-run inning as the splitter stayed up in the zone.

“Cruzer had a tough one, left some pitches up for ‘em,” Boone said, adding he didn’t think there were any issues for the reliever other than locating his best pitch. “Credit to them, couple good swings against him. Obviously, trust Cruzer there in that situation all the time.

“They got to him today, and that’s part of it.”

“Not being able to pick up my guys is most impacting me,” Cruz said after the loss. “The best teams go through stretches like this, and champions and great teams in history go through stretches like this, and especially games like this. For me, it's a formation. It's something that is forming me into a better athlete and a better pitcher, and I'm gonna be better next time."

But the reliever’s extra-inning wobble was hardly the lone issue. After being held hitless through the first 7.1 innings against Sonny Gray on Sunday, that meant the last three Red Sox starters combined for 17.1 innings before allowing a hit, following good outings from Payton Tolle on Friday and Jake Bennett on Saturday.

"I think, overall, not swinging the bats great this weekend," the skipper said. "I felt like we got some pitches to hit, some in the center of the plate where [Gray] was coming after us. And maybe just missed a couple of 'em or just didn't put 'em in play with enough authority."

The positives came in not going down meekly. Against Aroldis Chapman in the ninth, the Yankees rallied for two runs to tie the score and two more in the 10th to grab a lead against Justin Slaten.

“Love the fight, the comeback there, pressure them in the ninth and the 10th,” Boone said, adding that, “We did a good job of pitching for the most part today.”

And that was another positive. Starter Carlos Rodon was sharp early and gutted through five innings before Paul Blackburn and David Bednar put up zeros, meaning through nine innings the Yankee arms had not been charged with an earned run.

But that is where silver linings only go so far when the sky is full of clouds over Beantown: The Yanks did not get enough hits – just nine total over the final three games – or timely ones – 1-for-13 with RISP – and gave away outs and runs – committing five errors over in the first and final game, accounting for seven unearned runs.

“The bottom line is, we gotta get it going offensively, and when we’re not scoring, we just didn’t play clean enough here,” Boone said.

Rodon, who surrendered two unearned runs on one hit and four walks with six strikeouts, said it simply: “Winning cures everything, so that’s the goal."

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Red Sox rally past Yankees 5-4 in 10 innings to complete 4-game sweep after Gray loses no-hit bid

BOSTON (AP) — Jarren Duran singled home the winning run to cap a three-run rally in the 10th inning after Boston blew a two-run lead in the ninth, and the Red Sox finished a four-game sweep of the rival New York Yankees with a 5-4 victory Sunday night.

Boston starter Sonny Gray took a no-hitter into the eighth against his former team before Amed Rosario singled with one out. That ended a brilliant outing for Gray, who had nine strikeouts to reach 2,000 for his career.

But the Yankees scored twice in the ninth off All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman to tie it 2-all, aided enormously by a brutal throwing error from two-time Gold Glove right fielder Wilyer Abreu.

New York scratched across two more runs in the 10th, taking advantage of another throwing error by Abreu after Rosario’s sinking liner squirted out of his glove for an RBI single. But right-hander Fernando Cruz (4-3) was unable to hold the lead after closer David Bednar had pitched the previous two innings.

Boston’s first four-game sweep of the Yankees at home since 2018 marked the first four-game winning streak this season for the last-place Red Sox.

New York arrived at Fenway Park with the best record in the American League but left a game behind Tampa Bay atop the AL East.

Anthony Seigler led off the bottom of the 10th with an RBI single that trimmed Boston’s deficit to 4-3. Pinch-hitter Masataka Yoshida followed with a double before a sacrifice fly by Tsung-Che Chung tied it at 4 and advanced Yoshida to third.

New York brought in Rosario from left field to form a five-man infield, and Duran hit a line drive to right where nobody was standing.

Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. was ejected for arguing after he was called out on a check-swing for strike three to end the sixth.

Up next

Yankees LHP Ryan Weathers (3-5, 3.95 ERA) faces Detroit RHP Casey Mize on Monday as New York returns home and opens a three-game series against the Tigers.

Boston is scheduled to start LHP Ranger Suarez (3-3, 2.83) against Washington LHP Andrew Alvarez on Monday to open a three-game set at Fenway Park.

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Heat’s top NBA free agency targets after Giannis Antetokounmpo trade

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Giannis Antetokounmpo fights for position with Bam Adebayo during the second half of the game at Fiserv Forum on February 23, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Image 2 shows Landry Shamet drives on Victor Wembanyama during Game 3 of the NBA Finals. , Image 3 shows Anfernee Simons has averaged 18.8 points per game across his last five seasons

The Heat are expected to remain busy this offseason.

And in reality, they have no choice.

The three-time NBA champions made a big swing earlier this week, landing Giannis Antetokounmpo after a year-long pursuit, and now they’re looking to add role players to fill out the rest of their roster in hopes of being title contenders.

Multiple reports, including one from Miami Herald reporter Barry Jackson, have tied the Heat to several guard and wing options who are expected to hit free agency beginning on June 30.

Giannis Antetokounmpo fights for position with Bam Adebayo during the second half of the game at Fiserv Forum on February 23, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Getty Images
Landry Shamet drives on Victor Wembanyama during Game 3 of the NBA Finals. NBAE via Getty Images

Jackson, in particular, cited that the Heat want “at least two skilled 3-point shooters in free agency” and offered a list of candidates to join the team — including Anfernee Simons, who spent time with the Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls this season, Landry Shamet, who played a vital role on the championship-winning Knicks, Tim Hardaway Jr., who has been a Denver Nugget, and Quentin Grimes, who has become a fixture with the Philadelphia 76ers.

It is expected that the Heat will pursue veteran shooters as part of their roster construction around Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, who immediately become one of the more talented duos in the NBA, especially on the defensive end.

Anfernee Simons has averaged 18.8 points per game across his last five seasons. TNS

Antetokounmpo, who is the last player to win MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season, led the Bucks to their second NBA title, and first in 50 years, during the 2020-21 season, and that followed back-to-back MVP seasons.

The consecutive 10-time All-Star joins Adebayo, who has been on an All-Defense team all but one year he’s been an NBA starter, taking home the honors in six of his last seven seasons.

A three-time All-Star in his own right, Adebayo has also been integral in back-to-back Team USA gold medals in the Summer Olympics, winning with the 2021 and 2024 editions of the team.

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LA Dodgers' Dave Roberts closes in on managerial milestone

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is closing in on his 1,000th managerial career victory.

Roberts earned his 998th victory as the Dodgers beat the San Diego Padres, 4-2, on Sunday, June 28.

Roberts will start the week just two wins shy of the milestone, with the chance to accomplish the feat on Tuesday in the second game of a three-game series against the Athletics in Sacramento.

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (30) gestures during batting practice before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on June 10, 2026.

Roberts has earned every one of his managerial victories while with the Dodgers, despite starting his managerial career with a single game for the Padres.

He served as interim manager for the Padres on June 15, 2015, following San Diego's firing of Bud Black. The Padres suffered a 9-1 loss to the then-Oakland Athletics at Petco Park. Pat Murphy was hired to take over as interim manager for the rest of that season.

Roberts would start his tenure with Los Angeles in 2016, finishing the season as the Manager of the Year after leading the Dodgers to a 91-71 record.

He’s won three World Series titles and five National League pennants with the Dodgers.

When do Dodgers play next?

The Dodgers will play the first game of a three-game series against the Athletics on Monday, June 29. The game will start at 6:40 p.m. PT.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: LA Dodgers' Dave Roberts closes in on managerial milestone

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Yankees fans fume as NBC preempts Red Sox clash with storm-delayed Travelers

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Two golfers shake hands on the green, Image 2 shows Boston Red Sox's Willson Contreras slides safely into home plate as New York Yankees catcher Austin Wells reaches for the ball, Image 3 shows NBC Sports Logo

Baseball fans were not happy with NBC’s decision to stick with golf over the broadcast of the Yankees-Red Sox game on Sunday night. 

The final round of the Travelers Championship was delayed for nearly 90 minutes due to rain at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Conn., pushing the PGA Tour event into the baseball timeslot and forcing execs to only air the baseball game on Peacock and NBCSN at first. 

The decision enraged baseball fans, who took to social media to air their grievances as they turned on NBC only to see golf on and not the rivalry baseball game. 

The Red Sox defeated the Yankees on June 28. AP Photo/Steven Senne

“Can I just ask @nbc why golf is being aired over the Yankees Vs. Red Sox Game? This is un-American,” one disgruntled viewer wrote on X. 

“So #nbc acquires the rights to #Yankees v Redsox so we can tune into golf?” another person wrote. 

“Would be nice to watch the Yankees game if NBC actually cared to get boring ass golf off our TV screens,” one user on X chimed in. 

“@nbc nobody in the NY area gives a flying you know what about a non major golf ending right now. Give us Yankees-Red Sox as promised,” someone else said on X. 

Caddie Ted Scott and Scottie Scheffler of the United States shake hands on the 18th green after finishing their round during the final round of the Travelers Championship 2026. Getty Images

“Yankees/Sox being preempted by NBC in favor of a non major PGA tournament shows how unserious they are about MLB as a product,” a fan complained. 

To add to the situation, the Travelers Championship didn’t even end on Sunday. 

Due to Scottie Scheffler making a putt on the 18th hole, he forced a playoff against Viktor Hovland that will now take place on Monday morning at 9 a.m. 

That will air on Golf Channel. 

After all was said and done, Yankee fans may have wished NBC aired anything but the game, because when they did finally join the baseball game in progress around 8:30 p.m, the Red Sox’s Caleb Durbin was hitting a two-run single to give Boston a 2-0 lead.

The Yankees ended up losing the game 5-4 in 10 innings.

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Kodai Senga looks sharp as a Mets reliever despite allowing decisive homer

New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga throws to the Philadelphia Phillies in the fifth inning.
Kodai Senga throws a pitch during the Mets' June 28 loss to the Phillies.

Kodai Senga took a step back into the bullpen and took a step forward in performance.

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In his first major league outing as a reliever, Senga was much sharper than he had looked as a failed starter, even if the home run he served up to Kyle Schwarber became the difference in a 5-4 loss to the Phillies at Citi Field on Sunday.

“He was really good today,” interim manager Andy Green said after Senga allowed two runs on four hits and one walk while striking out four in five innings.

The 2023 All-Star and 2024-26 mystery had fallen out of the rotation after seven games in which he owned a 10.08 ERA.

But Senga — who was needed on an afternoon the Mets essentially threw a bullpen game while four of their relievers were not available because of recent workload — entered in the fifth without complaint, saying the Mets afforded him plenty of time to warm up for a job that “I haven’t done” often.

Kodai Senga throws a pitch during the Mets’ June 28 loss to the Phillies. Jason Szenes for the NY Post

He had no issues with Trea Turner, Schwarber and Bryce Harper and looked as if he had rediscovered his forkball.

He encountered trouble in the sixth, walking Alec Bohm before a Brandon Marsh double, but Senga used forkballs to strike out J.T. Realmuto and Derek Hill, sandwiched between a Bryson Stott groundout.

Senga remained for the seventh, when he faced the top of the Phillies order for a second time because Green had no other reliever to turn to.

Senga got ahead of Schwarber 1-2 before missing down the middle with a fastball that was demolished for a game-swinging two-run homer.

Senga acknowledged that he could have chosen a different pitch or at least hit his spot better, trying to throw the fastball up and out of the zone.

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“You get to 1-2 on one of the best hitters on the planet, you want to locate better,” Green said. “I don’t want to take anything away from his outing — he came out of the bullpen, he gave five really strong innings.”

The Mets, who are using four starting pitchers and have an off-day Thursday that delays the need for a fifth, very much could use a reemergence from Senga, but that hope has dwindled.

Senga said his role is ultimately “up to me” because his performance will dictate how he is used.

“If I can’t compete and be in the zone … then I don’t deserve a spot in the rotation,” Senga said through interpreter Hiro Fujiwara. “But on the flip side, if I am able to compete, I do feel like I can throw in the rotation.”

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Seattle Mariners acquire INF Buddy Kennedy from San Francisco

Jun 1, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; San Francisco Giants infielder Buddy Kennedy delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers in the eighth inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images | Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

The Mariners have made the first move in what’s sure to be a rip-roaring Trade Deadline season, acquiring INF Buddy Kennedy from the Giants in exchange for cash considerations.

Kennedy was designated for assignment by San Francisco earlier this morning as outfielder Heliot Ramos returned from the Injured List.

The 5’10” infielder has spent most of the season with Triple-A Sacramento, hitting well, even for the PCL. He’s in the 78th percentile for xWOBA, has a nearly identical K% and BB% (12.6%/12.1%) and rarely whiffs. This all has come out to a .322 batting average and a 152 wRC+. He’s made just a minimal impression in the bigs this season, with 8 plate appearances in 7 games, and zero hits.

Kennedy is likely to head to Tacoma. He can play 3B and 2B in a pinch, and will likely backfill Patrick Wisdom’s role if Wisdom is called up to take over right-handed pinch hitting duties from the currently-employed Rob Refsnyder.

The 27-year-old has not found much traction in the five years since his debut with Arizona in 2022. He’s amassed less than 200 plate appearances across 74 games, with a career 50 wRC+. On the mound, Kennedy has made one appearance this season, pitching one inning and giving up four runs, all earned.

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David Ross interested in shot at Mets manager opening: ‘I hope they call’

There will be plenty of buzz around the Mets’ managerial opening leading up to this offseason. 

Albert Pujolsconfirmed during an MLB Network appearance earlier this week that he’d have interest in the job if the team decided to move on from Carlos Mendoza, as they did. 

Now, another free agent skipper is throwing his name into the ring. 

David Ross told Dan Martin of the NY Post prior to Sunday Night Baseball that he’d love to get a shot at the gig. 

“I hope they call,” he said. “It would be nice. It would be cool."

Ross now works for ESPN, but he was previously the head man for the Cubs.  

He led them to a first-place finish during the COVID-shortened season, but they were quickly sent packing as the Marlins swept them in two games in the Wild Card series. 

Chicago failed to reach the playoffs each of the next three years. 

After back-to-back seasons finishing under the .500 mark, Ross led them to 83 wins in 2023, which left them just one game shy of another Wild Card berth. 

That offseason, the organization decided to move on from him so they could bring in Craig Counsell on a five-year deal.

Ross’ Cubs went 262-284 over that four-year span. 

His bench coach during that time was none other than Mets interim manager Andy Green.

Ross told Martin that he didn't receive any interest for managerial openings this past offseason, but he'd certainly be up to the task if the Mets come calling.

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Former Sabres Defenseman Lands Nice Payday After Trade

Earlier this month, the Buffalo Sabres traded Michael Kesselring and the 27th overall pick of this year's draft to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for the 20th overall pick of this year's draft. Seeing Kesselring get moved was not surprising, as he struggled with the Sabres last season and had been the subject of trade rumors.

Now, Kesselring has landed his new contract with the Sharks, and he has gotten himself a nice payday.

According to PuckPedia, Kesselring has signed a three-year, $13.5 million ($4.5 million cap hit) deal with the Sharks. 

When noting that Kesselring had a tough season for the Sabres, this is a good contract for him to land. The right-shot defenseman has gotten a significant raise from his previous $1.4 million cap hit and has landed himself some security by signing for three years. 

Kesselring should now be a key part of the Sharks' blueline as they look to continue to trend in the right direction. With the Sharks' defensive depth not being strong, Kesselring should have a real shot of playing top-four minutes next season.

Kesselring was acquired by the Sabres this past off-season in the deal that sent JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth. In 34 games this past season with Buffalo, Kesselring had zero goals and two assists. This was after he set career highs with seven goals, 22 assists, and 29 points in 82 games.

Overall, the fit between the Sabres and Kesselring was just never there. The same can be said between Peterka and Utah, though, as the Mammoth traded the former Sabres winger to the Boston Bruins on Friday.